Pauline Haveron (53) was found dead by a friend in a house in the Huntingdale area of Ballyclare on Sunday.

It is understood she was found strangled in her bath.

A 55-year-old man from Greenisland was arrested by investigating officers yesterday in the Antrim area and is helping with their inquiries into the murder.

One of Mrs Haveron’s children is understood to be stranded in Australia and is devastated that he has been unable to return home. Her son Timothy, who is working in Melbourne, has been desperately trying to return home since he was told about her death on Sunday.

Details of Mrs Haveron’s murder were only released by police yesterday following the results of a post-mortem examination and consultation with her family.

Her house remained cordoned off throughout yesterday while forensic officers carried out their work.

Detectives have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area as they gather evidence.

DUP councillor Paul Girvan said that he knew Ms Haveron.

“I recently worked with Pauline on a constituency basis and I am very shocked by what has happened,” he said.

UUP councillor for the area Vera McWilliam appealed for anyone with information to contact police. She said: “Everyone in the area will be shocked. This type of thing does not happen in Ballyclare.

“My heart goes out to this lady’s family and friends. I am sure her neighbours are very upset as well. If anyone heard or saw anything at all that could help police they should come forward.”

The PSNI said that detectives from the serious crime branch were keen to speak to anyone who was in the Doagh Road and Huntingdale areas between 10pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday.